208 Journal and Correspondence

December 21
Red Book
No. 126
Letter
No. 69

pose you request And M^r William Neil has a Brig of 6 Sixes & 8
four pound Guns with Muskets Pikes &c compleat which he tells
me he will sell to the State very cheap. She is new, only made one
voyage, and esteemed a very fine Vessel

December 22

[William Hyde to Gov. Lee]

Then came Elija Sturgis before me one of the Justices for Ann
Arundel County and made Oath that on Tuesday the 19^th of the
present Month, on his way up the Bay he was attacked and captured
near Sharpe's Island by an armed vessel called the Suky commanded
by a certain James Ridley, That he was landed on Sharpe's Island
and staid on Shore all Night in Company with the Captain and
Lieutenant of the above mentioned Privateer at the House of one
Crier. That during his Stay among the Enemy he saw several of
the Islanders bartering with them giving Provision for Salt but
cannot recollect the Names of any them

December 22

[John Smith Brookes, Upper Marlbro, to The Hon^ble The Governor
& Council.]

Gentlemen Having for some time past been without any of your
commands, I am much at a loss to satisfy the enquirys of many of
the neighbours of this place and inhabitants of the County, who
have Beef, Pork, Corn &c for sale; and have therefore taken the
liberty to pray your directions on that head.
I have for these several years past purchased and cured at this
place, from twenty to thirty thousand weight of meat equal, if not
superior, to any raised in this state; many parts of the County
abound pork, so that I should immagine not less then Sixty thousand
weight of meat might now be had, and more had the purchase be-
gan at the usual time
I pointed out in a former letter the necessaty for ordering the
Commissarys to engage a number of Barrels, but never had your
answer on the matter, much difficulty I fear would now attend these
being had & a very great risque attends the meat laying over a
proper time in Bulk. I shall allways with great pleasure and thank-
fulness execute any commands you are pleased to Honour me with

December 23

[Stephen Steward to the Council]

Honnebell Gentellmen Plese Let M^r Joseph Easman have the
one Hundred Pounds of New muny I have now an oppertunity of
Parting with it and agree to take it now @ 80 p C^t as I promised
NB I had a letter from Stephen he tels me the Sloop will be
Redy to Com Down tomorrow I shuld be Glad to Com up when
she is at Anapolis as I want to se the Captain to Give him some little
Instructions as to the Sloop as I am better aquanted with the Bay